Soldino - Costanzo Sforza City view

Historical Context: This Soldino was issued under Costanzo Sforza, Lord of Pesaro, during his rule from 1473 to 1483. Pesaro, a strategically important city within the Italian States, was under the dominion of the powerful Sforza family. The late 15th century was a period of intense political maneuvering among Italian city-states, with coinage serving as a tangible assertion of sovereignty and economic stability by rulers like Costanzo Sforza.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this Soldino exemplifies the burgeoning influence of the Early Renaissance on numismatic art. The coin's reverse is notable for its "City view" of Pesaro, a sophisticated design choice underscoring the city's identity and the ruler's control. Such detailed architectural representations were a hallmark of the period, moving beyond purely heraldic designs to incorporate more illustrative and symbolic imagery.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, measuring 15 mm and weighing 0.6 gg, this Soldino is a diminutive coin. Key high-points for preservation and strike quality include the clarity of the legend and intricate details within the city view, particularly any identifiable structures. Due to manual striking methods, specimens often exhibit characteristic imperfections such as slight off-centering, variable strike pressure leading to weaker details, and minor planchet irregularities, typical for issues of this period.